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Mawlid Poetry from the Morisco Period of al-Andalus

The following are three devotional poems commemorating the birth (mawlid) of the Prophet Muhammad from al-Andalus during the Morisco period (1500-1614). Since adherence to Islam was punishable by burning at the stake during this period of Spanish history, these poems are as much an example of resistance to the Inquistion and an assertion of Andalusi Muslim identity as they are indicative of the love of the Spanish Muslims for the Prophet Muhammad. The strange Spanish is a result of the direct transliteration from Aljamiado (a form of Spanish written in Arabic characters).

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[…] by fasting, learning more about his character and life, and attending communal gatherings where songs and poetry are recited in his honor. For over 1400 years, Muslims have marked this time of year with special prayers, songs and foods. […]